Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

This review covers all options on the chair in detail. I looked at all the neck/back massagers on Amazon before selecting this one. I studied the remote control options closely across all the massagers between $100-$175. I went with the NURSAL because there were 3 back massage modes and there was an "adjust" button. I wasn't quite sure how well any of it would work to massage my back, shoulders, and neck, but I figured the more options the better. Another important criteria for me was the ability to lay the massager flat on the floor and I wasn't certain that it was possible to do that with this one, though it appeared that it wouldn't be an issue. Fortunately, it lays flat, no problem! The product listing really should have a comprehensive video that explains all the options. I imagine if it did, this massager would easily outsell the competition, even more expensive options. Back Massage Options ----------------------------- First a note about the back massage balls... there are two balls on each side (4 total). Each pair consists of one larger ball and one smaller ball. The larger one protrudes further out than the smaller one. Understanding this will help to understand the massage modes. Also, the balls aren't completely spherical which is a good thing. If they were completely spherical, they would apply more pressure to a smaller point on your back. The balls are sort of smooshed flat on the surface that touches your body which provides a larger surface that's in contact with your back. Kneading - the massage balls rotate symmetrically on both sides. This is probably the most common mode people would expect to experience across all massage chairs. I believe other "shiatsu" massage chairs that only provide one option would use this mode. The Kneading mode and the Wave mode are difficult to explain fully in text, but both modes provide worthwhile unique experiences. The "Adjust" button does nothing in the kneading mode. Wave - the massage balls rotate asymmetrically on both sides. This is one of my favorite modes as it feels more like an actual person massaging you from side to side. The "Adjust" button does nothing in this mode. Shiatsu - the massage balls do not rotate while the balls slide up and down your back. The massage balls are positioned symmetrically and their positions can be adjusted using the "Adjust" button meaning you can make the large balls closer together or further apart. When the massage balls are further apart and because they protrude further out than the smaller balls, it's as if the balls are cradling your back. It's in the cradled position that you get the most benefit from the Shiatsu mode since all 4 balls are in contact with your back. Upper - the massage moves up and down the upper part of your back. Unfortunately, and I'd imagine this would be the case across all massage chairs, the massage doesn't actually go all the way up to your shoulders when seated in it. You could place the chair flat on the floor and adjust your body to target the upper part of your back if needed. In my experience, I don't find any issue with the massage balls going any higher than they do. If they did, I believe it would be too painful to use due to the balls rotating over my shoulder blades. It's as if they designed it intentionally to stop short of going over your shoulder blades. Lower - the massage moves up and down the lower part of your back and does go quite low. Full - the massage moves up and down in its full range. Spot - you can press the spot button at any time in any of the modes and the massage will stop in the vertical position it's currently in and focus on that spot on your back. Neck Massage Options ----------------------------- The neck massage options are relatively straight-forward. You can adjust the position up and down. In the lowest position, it does massage my shoulders very well. I'm 5'9" and a shorter person may need to adjust their height on the device with a seat cushion to get the shoulder massage from the neck balls OR lay the device on the floor. The other options are to adjust the direction of the rotation by pressing the middle button in the Neck section of the remote. This option may seem trivial, but it definitely provides a significantly different experience of neck/shoulder massage. Heating ----------------------------- The heating option is definitely worthwhile. When turned on, both the neck and back balls are heated to a gentle and noticeable level. I would only use the chair with the heat on. It's quite nice. When the heat is turned on, the back balls will glow red. The neck balls appear to not have a light in them, but they will still heat up the same as the back balls. Seat Vibration ----------------------------- This is where the chair leaves me wanting. The seat vibration is what you'd probably expect - a gentle vibration on your tush. There are three levels of vibration - low, medium, and high. Considering how nice the balls are on your back, shoulders, and neck, I wish there was something similar on my tush with smaller balls. It really would be amazing if you could get an equivalent butt massage! Other Notes ----------------------------- The back portion of the chair is rigid which allows the device to work well placed in any kind of chair/couch. I imagine a chair that reclines a bit would be the ideal place to put the device. The seat portion is hinged to the back portion with a faux-leather flap which allows the device to be used in the seated position or flat on the floor. When used on the floor, you can really get to every part of your back, shoulders, and neck with very good pressure. Note, I'm 5'9' and weigh 150lbs, have a thin frame and very little body fat. If your upper body is heavier, the pressure while laying down may be too much. Though, if you have more body fat or muscle mass on you, that may help to mitigate the issue of too much pressure. The chair comes with a home power adapter and a cigarette power adapter which allows it to be used in a car as well. Review Summary ----------------------------- This is the one to get if you want a lot of flexibility on how you can use a massage chair of this type. The only thing I could imagine being better is a full massage chair costing $1000 or more. There really isn't much middle ground for these massage chair devices. When inspecting other massage chairs, be sure to compare the remote control options. I'm writing this review after one day of use, so I can't speak to reliability at all. The device does seem well constructed and I really hope it lasts a long time. If you're reading this and know of an equivalent chair with a butt massager, please leave a comment. If you found this review helpful and think it should be near the top, please click the "Helpful" button below so others may find this review at the top of the list.